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A white bowl filled with creamy Lemon Chicken and Veggie Orzo, garnished with fresh spinach and a lemon wedge.
Reda

One-Pan Lemon Chicken and Veggie Orzo

A vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender lemon-marinated chicken, creamy orzo, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Orzo and Veggies
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cups baby spinach fresh, packed
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven (with lid)
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Zester

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken and Orzo
  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, toasting it for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown. This adds a nutty flavor.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish the Dish
  1. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and the orzo is tender.
  2. Turn off the heat. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the fresh baby spinach. Continue to stir until the spinach has wilted completely.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley or dill.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Add them in with the onions to give them time to cook.
Tip: Stir the orzo occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.